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  13. Step 8 What does it mean?
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tree.jpg
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"As Old as the Trees"

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karenswhimsy.com
karenswhimsy.com


Broad Question: Do you get the same tree age when using different tree age finding methods?


Specific Question: Do you get the same tree age when using the diameter method and the tree ring method?



Variables

Independent Variable: tree age finding method

Dependent Variable: tree age (years)

Variables That Need To Be Controlled: measure same distance up tree trunk each time, test a variety of trees

Hypothesis

I hypothesize that I will get relatively the same tree age when using different age finding methods.


Graph of Hypothesis

Paint_Graph_for_Hyp.JPG

Experimental Design

I will be conducting an experiment to see if you find the same tree age when using different age finding methods. I will conduct my experiment outside in the woods since that’s where I’ll find trees. I will be the only person involved in the experiment, although my dad will help me when I need him. I will count tree rings, measure the circumference of a tree trunk, calculate diameter, and find tree age. I will test ten different trees to make sure my conclusion is accurate. I will record my data I collect, while experimenting, on a data table/spreadsheet that has been printed out. I will transfer my data onto the computer and upload information onto my Wiki when I am at school. I will put some of my information on my display board as well as some pictures that I have taken while conducting my experiment.

Materials List

  1. Trees
  2. Tape measure
  3. Pen or pencil
  4. Notebook
  5. Calculator
  6. Tree growth rate chart

Detailed Procedure

  1. Find area with a variety of fallen trees.
  2. Find first tree sample. At about 3 to 5 feet from the base of the tree, measure the circumference of its trunk.
  3. Divide circumference by pi (3.14) to find the diameter.
  4. Multiply the diameter of the tree by its growth rate to find its approximate age.
  5. Record age on data table.
  6. Using the same tree, find a spot where you can clearly see its rings and count them.
  7. Record age (same as number of rings) on data table.
  8. Find and record the difference between the two ages.
  9. Repeat steps 1-8, nine more times.
  10. Take pictures with digital camera, throughout experiment.
  11. Input data onto digital spreadsheet.
  12. Print out pictures.

Background Research

  • A tree has “annual rings” that you can count to find the tree’s age. There are two parts to an annual ring- a light area and a dark area. The light area is called “springwood” and is usually the widest because the tree grows the most in the spring. The dark area is called “summerwood” and is smaller because the tree’s growth slows down in the summer.

  • The tree age finding method using diameter is found to be 90% accurate. Trees grow slower in poor conditions and may be older than their size suggests. Trees exposed to lots of sunlight are usually younger than their size suggests.

  • The count of a tree’s rings is a pretty accurate way to find a tree’s age. Although, there are a few problems with this method: trees occasionally produce more than one ring a year, trees occasionally go a year or more without producing a ring, and sometimes it is difficult to see the rings.

  • External factors such as day length, temperature, sunlight, soil conditions, and water availability affect the growth of a tree.


References




  • "Life Processes." Plants and Plant Life. Eds. Penelope Isaac, and Eleanor Stillwell. Vol. 3. Danbury, CT: Grolier Educational, 2001. 64. Print.






Results

Data Table


Graph

paint_graph_for_results.JPG

Photos


Data Analysis


Conclusion:

The original purpose of this experiment was to see if I got the same tree age by using two different methods (the diameter method and the tree ring method). The results of the experiment was that the two different methods got different tree ages. In one place the difference of the ages was 19 years. The diameter method usually got a higher age than the tree ring method.


Discussion:

My hypothesis was that I would get relatively the same tree age when using different age finding methods. My results do not support my hypothesis. A pattern my data shows is that the diameter method usually got a higher age than the tree ring method. Most of my data shows this pattern. I think the tests I did went smoothly. I had access to plenty of trees and my measuring procedure worked just fine. I also had my dad to help me so I didn’t have to do everything all by myself. If I could improve my experiment, I would measure a greater number of tees so that my data could be more accurate. An interesting future study might involve which of the two methods is more reliable.